ABSTRACT
The objective was to compare the fetal birth weight between anaemic and non anaemic pregnant women. This cross sectional, comparative study was conducted with a total of 200 pregnant women, 100 anaemic and 100 non anaemic, delivering in the labour ward of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital of Gynae unit 1. Study duration was one year from October 2005-September 2006. Pregnant women with singleton, term and gravidity up to 5 were included while twin, grand multi para, intrauterine growth retardation [IUGR], preterm and women with co-morbids were excluded. Data was recorded on a special form. Maternal blood was drawn for haemoglobin estimation and fetal birth weight was recorded after delivery. Results were analyzed by using SPSS 10 on computer. The mean fetal birth weight in anaemic pregnant women was 2338 +/- 266 gm and in non anaemic pregnant women it was 3081 +/- 307 gms with p-value 0.000. Out of 100 anaemic pregnant women 25% were mild, 65% were moderate and only 10% were severely anaemic. The mean birth weight of moderately anaemic was 2184 +/- 89 gms and of severely anaemic women was 1990 +/- 73 gms with p = 0.000. This study shows that anaemic pregnant women who have haemoglobin level of less than 11 gms/dl deliver low birth weight babies as compared to non anaemic pregnant women who have haemoglobin levels greater than or equal to 11 gms/dl